Wednesday 7 July 2010

Interview with O M Grey

Is it really Wednesday? I'm all mixed up this week. Is it just me, or does a holiday weekend cause us all to go off kilter?

Well, let's try to get back on track by having a chat with a very cool steampunk author. Say hello to O. M. Grey.

Welcome to the site, Olivia. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm a very private person. I like to keep my personal life under wraps. I do love meeting fans at conventions and signings! I have really enjoyed connecting with fans online, and I love when they post pictures of themselves with my book on my Facebook page and/or tweet pictures they've taken with me.

Let's hear about Avalon Revisited. What's the story about?

Arthur has made his existence as a vampire bearable for over three hundred years by immersing himself in blood and debauchery. Aboard an airship gala, he meets Avalon, an aspiring vampire slayer who sparks fire into Arthur’s shriveled heart. Together they try to solve the mystery of several horrendous murders on the dark streets of London. Cultures clash and pressures rise in this sexy Steampunk Romance.

Wow, sounds intense! And I love the book cover. How did the idea of the story come to you?

It's been brewing in my mind for about 20 years. I have always been drawn to the Arthurian Legend. The seeds for this story were planted back in college when I first heard the name Arthur Tudor, the older brother of Henry VIII. He was supposed to be king, but he died quite young. Their father, Henry VII, intended Arthur to be Arthur II of England, as he fully believed in the King Arthur of legend. So, between my love of English History and Vampires, I brought Arthur Tudor back to life as one of the undead.

I like it! Tell us, how do you feel writing Steampunk differs from writing other genres?

Steampunk is very hot right now. It's quite fun because the aesthetic itself is beautiful and the gadgets are only limited to one's imagination. It can be set on a different planet or an entirely different dimension or universe. It can also be set in just a slightly altered version of historical Victorian England or the Wild West in America. But the wonderful gadgets and polite conversation follow wherever it goes.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Actually writing. Finding time to write. Keeping my muse in one place when I have the time to write. Once I'm in my writing zone; however, I can really make some great progress. Getting in that mode can sometimes take weeks, however.


I have to agree with you there. Who are your inspirations?

Gail Carriger. Leanna Renee Hieber. Kurt Vonnegut. Jules Verne. Mary Shelley.

Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. If you could have any super power, what would it be?


To leap onto the New York Times Bestseller List in a single bound.


Heehee, can I have that power too? Oh wait, first I need to get published.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: underground, parakeet, and rug burn.

The determined albeit insane parakeet tried to dig underground through a carpet, but all he got was a rug burn on his beak.

Very clever! Poor parakeet, lol. Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Whom would you like to give a shout out to?

I'd love to thank the wonderful artists who are supporting me by sponsoring my appearances. I've been gifted a gorgeous tiny top hat by GypsyLadyHats, a super cool Steampunk Corset by Lilly's Workshop, goggles by PH Factor, an absolutely beautiful tatted mask & choker set by TotusMel Tats, and some really great Mad Scientist spectacles from Clockwork Couture. You can see pictures of me in a few of these things on my Facebook page at Apollocon.

These things amaze me. I've checked out the fabulous items on your website; they are awesome and incredible! Let's tell everyone where can people find you online.

http://omgrey.wordpress.com
http://tinyurl.com/OMG-FB
http://twitter.com/omgrey

Great! Thank you so much for chatting with us. I'll have to get my hands on Avalon Revisited very soon!

6 comments:

Tahereh said...

another fabulous interview!! it was so much fun to learn more about Olivia!

a big thank you to you both!!

Dorothy Dreyer said...

Thanks, Tahereh! I love the costumes and gadgets that go along with Steampunk. I doubt I'd be any good at writing it though. I'll leave that to Olivia. :)

Gina said...

Great interview! Hmm, the book cover reminds be of Clockwork Angels....though the storyline definitely sounds unique. Best of luck on the book! As for the holiday weekend creating an off-kilter week...yep. DEFINITELY there with you on that. Happy reading!

Dorothy Dreyer said...

Thanks for the comment, Gina. Yes, I'm just now getting back to normal, and it's Friday, lol.

Anonymous said...

Avalon Revisited sounds delightful. I added it to my wish list.

Dorothy Dreyer said...

Cool, Medeia. I have so many books on my wish list it's crazy. *needs more money*